Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Alabama
In Alabama, aspiring counselors can choose from 15 not-for-profit universities that provide on-campus and online programs in mental health counseling (MHC) and clinical mental health counseling (CMHC).1 This page outlines respected and affordable degree options that meet the educational requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in the state. You’ll also find details on counselor salaries, job growth projections, and additional resources for building a career in the field.
Table of Contents
- Alabama MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Alabama MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Alabama Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares 15 Alabama mental health counseling programs across key factors, including accreditation status, institution type, program format, US News & World Report rankings, in-state and out-of-state tuition, and total number of credit hours required. All institutions listed below are not-for-profit. If we’ve missed an Alabama school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Alabama counseling degrees page, master’s in mental health counseling degree guide, or individual school websites.
| School Name | Accreditation2,3 | MHC Degrees Offered | Program Format | US News National Rank4 | In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour | Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A&M University | — | MS Counseling | Traditional | — | $422 | $840 | 60 |
| Alabama State University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #392-434 | $412 | $824 | 60 |
| Amridge University | — | MA Professional Counseling | Online | — | $650 | $650 | 60 |
| Auburn University | CACREP | M.Ed. CMHC | Traditional; Online | #105 tie | $630 | $1,890 | 60 |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | CACREP | M.Ed. CMHC | Traditional; Online | — | $479 | $1,075 | 60 |
| Faulkner University | — | MS CMHC | Online; Hybrid | — | $565 | $565 | 61 |
| Jacksonville State University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $434 | $706 | 60 |
| Troy University | CACREP | MS Counseling: CMHC | Online | — | $475 | $950 | 60 |
| University of Alabama | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #171 tie | $670 | $1,770 | 60 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | CACREP | MA Counseling: CMHC | Traditional | #136 tie | $494 | $1,211 | 60 |
| University of Mobile | — | MA Counseling & Family Therapy (CFT) | Traditional | — | $660 | $660 | 60 |
| University of Montevallo | CACREP | M.Ed. Counseling: CMHC | Traditional | — | $453 | $1,084 | 60 |
| University of North Alabama | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $495 | $990 | 60 |
| University of South Alabama | CACREP | MS CMHC | Hybrid | #371 tie | $480 | $960 | 60 |
| University of West Alabama | CACREP | MS CMHC | Online | — | $429 | $429 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Alabama
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Alabama, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
Auburn University
Auburn University (AU) offers a 60-credit Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) that is CACREP-accredited. The program combines core coursework with a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship to prepare students for LPC licensure in Alabama. The curriculum emphasizes counseling theory, assessment, diagnosis, multicultural practice, and ethics, and students gain experience in community-based settings that align with their interests. Courses are available on the Auburn and Montgomery campuses or online. Full-time students can complete the program in two to three years, after which graduates may pursue LPC licensure following the required post-master’s supervision.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offers a 60-credit Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), which is CACREP-accredited. The campus-based program offers training in core counseling knowledge, assessment, and clinical skills, and features a required 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship sequence. Students benefit from clinical placements across the Birmingham area and faculty advising that connects coursework with supervised practice. Full-time students can complete the degree in approximately two to three years, and graduates are prepared to pursue LPC licensure in Alabama after fulfilling the state’s post-master’s supervision requirements.
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama (UA) offers a 60-credit Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) that is CACREP-accredited. This campus-based program offers coursework in counseling theory, assessment, diagnosis, and multicultural practice, complemented by a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship sequence. The program pairs skills labs with community placements so students can apply evidence-based interventions in real-world clinical settings. Students typically complete the program in two to three years of full-time study. Graduates are prepared to pursue LPC licensure in Alabama after meeting the state’s post-master’s supervision requirements.
Other Notable Programs
- University of South Alabama
- Alabama State University
- University of West Alabama
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Alabama
The following 10 schools offer the most cost-effective mental health counseling degrees, based on their minimum tuition, not including additional fees. Required credit hours may differ depending on the concentration area, so be sure to check with schools of interest for more details on specific program options. For a detailed comparison, you can refer to the comparison table above to find the quality indicators that align with your needs.
- Alabama State University ($24,720)
- Alabama A&M University ($25,320)
- University of West Alabama ($25,740)
- Jacksonville State University ($26,040)
- University of Montevallo ($27,180)
- Troy University ($28,500)
- Auburn University at Montgomery ($28,740)
- University of South Alabama ($28,800)
- University of Alabama at Birmingham ($29,640)
- University of North Alabama ($29,700)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Alabama
The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:
- Amridge University (Online)
- Auburn University (Online)
- Auburn University at Montgomery (Online)
- Faulkner University (Online; Hybrid)
- Troy University (Online)
- University of South Alabama (Hybrid)
- University of West Alabama (Online)
Alabama Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Employment of mental health counselors in Alabama is projected to grow by 13.3% through 2032, compared to 18.4% nationally.5 This growth is expected to generate an average of 590 job openings each year across the state.5 The table below shows salaries by metro area for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, compared to the statewide average.
| City | Number Employed6 | 10th Percentile Salary6 | 25th Percentile Salary6 | 50th Percentile (Median) Salary6 | 75th Percentile Salary6 | 90th Percentile Salary6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 3,340 | $35,940 | $40,480 | $48,880 | $58,540 | $73,050 |
| Anniston-Oxford | 90 | $34,250 | $37,010 | $47,920 | $55,530 | $73,570 |
| Auburn-Opelika | 100 | $37,110 | $42,670 | $50,880 | $61,860 | $74,450 |
| Birmingham | 890 | $37,670 | $41,720 | $50,650 | $60,110 | $76,140 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley | 150 | $30,550 | $39,370 | $48,680 | $58,270 | $68,440 |
| Decatur | 150 | $36,990 | $44,650 | $51,070 | $59,630 | $79,570 |
| Dothan | 120 | $30,800 | $37,630 | $48,140 | $57,170 | $66,860 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals | 50 | $25,830 | $37,670 | $43,930 | $48,870 | $55,510 |
| Gadsden | 70 | $31,540 | $35,500 | $45,650 | $56,620 | $63,560 |
| Huntsville | 250 | $38,610 | $44,550 | $51,580 | $60,890 | $72,520 |
| Mobile | 330 | $35,600 | $39,940 | $49,900 | $55,600 | $68,350 |
| Montgomery | 300 | $37,440 | $41,920 | $51,170 | $67,650 | $86,780 |
| Tuscaloosa | 240 | $38,660 | $46,390 | $51,980 | $54,790 | $73,660 |
Additional Resources
- Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC): The official state licensing board for LPCs, offering applications, renewal information, supervision requirements, and consumer resources.
- Alabama Counseling Association (ALCA): The state branch of the American Counseling Association (ACA), providing advocacy, networking, conferences, and continuing education for Alabama counselors.
- Alabama Counseling Schools: Overview of all types of counseling degree programs offered in the state.
- Alabama LPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guidance on meeting Alabama’s requirements to become an LPC.
- AlabamaWorks!: The state’s workforce development and job board platform, where counselors can search for employment opportunities across Alabama.
- Counseling Degrees Guide: Explore counseling degree options by level and specialization, including online and on-campus programs.
- Counseling Interviews and Advice: Career insights and tips from experienced clinical mental health counselors.
- Counseling School Accreditation Information: Learn about accreditation at both the institutional and program levels.
- Mental Health America in Montgomery: A nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, preventing mental illness, and advocating for improved mental health services in the city.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the profession, including roles, work settings, salary outlook, and long-term career growth.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Alabama: The state affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, providing education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Accredited Programs: https://www.cacrep.org/directory/
3. Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council Accredited Programs: https://mpcacaccreditation.org/accredited-programs/
4. US News & World Report 2025 Best National University Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities
5. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/longterm
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm